How My Sister Saved My Life
By Snowy Brook
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28th Oct 2010 •
4,940 views
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17 comments
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August 11, 2010
The day everything in my life changed. They day I thought I was never going to recover. The day I thought my swimming and horseback riding days where over for good.
It started out with a “Come on, last show before school starts, don’t take pictures, for once have fun,” from my twin sister, Ricki. She was trying to convince me to go to a “Fluffy Fuzz” show, that just hosted games on horseback. See, I never was a big fan of going into shows, I only started racing barrels at the beginning of summer, and I just find it fun to ride, not actually compete, although I did for some shows. This one show I was very reluctant to ride in, no idea why. Maybe I was sore, or I just wasn’t feeling up to it, who knows. So I decided to go with zero excitement, and just try and have fun.
I rode my favorite horse, a quarter horse gelding called Butch. I only entered in two events, barrel racing and bareback riding. I figured I was still good enough to do some bareback riding with my sister, since I have ridden bareback for over a year.
So here I am, waiting for my event to come up, the bareback being first. I was going to ride backwards behind my sister. I watched the other events go by and with my trusty camera always at hand, I took pictures. I love taking pictures. When my sister comes up and tells me its time to get ready we walk back over to the trailer and get ready to ride when I noticed my helmet was broken. The strap and the buckle where somehow detached. I was kind of upset, and we had 20 minutes before our turn. I asked some nearby people if they had an extra helmet, but no one had one I could use. I was shocked by how many kids under 11 years of age were riding without a helmet. Then, me being the stupid dumb person, told myself that I would be fine without a helmet and that noting could go wrong. I could do this. That is my greatest mistake, right there, and I wish I could take it back. That thought now plagues me every single day, when I think back to what happens.
My sister did not give up and threatened me that she would never let me ride her friends horse again if I did not find a helmet. She also said that she will not do the event if I don’t have a helmet. She continued to run around asking everyone if they had a helmet. She couldn’t find one, until finally an old school friend of mine said, “We may have an old bike helmet in the back of the truck, come up with me and help me look.” Well, a bike helmet is better then nothing, right? It was a shabby old helmet, a tad to big, but I knotted it. Now we where set to go.
Entering the area, we rode the 2nd horse we brought, that my twin usually rode, an arab called Socks. Socks was a crazy animal, very energetic, but he has improved tons. Socks has a short back, that was our first mistake. Our second mistake was that I never did this before with sis, only in warm up. The third mistake that I blame myself for, was that I should have leaned back on my sister, not forward over the rump. But I always looked after my twin sisters safety before my own...Go figure, huh? So, my though at that time, lean forward so I don’t hurt my twin.
If you have even ridden bareback, you know the uncomfortable feeling of having a horse with a very boney back. Horses with a short back do not have a lot of room to move.
The walk and the trot where fine, we where laughing and just having a fun time. When we got the canter we forgot that this horse likes to give a small kick when moving into it. It all happened so fast, I don’t even remember falling off. All I remember was screaming, “RICKI, STOP, IM FALLING, STOP!” This horse takes a while to stop, so my sister, Ricki, couldn’t stop her fast enough and I sort of slid off. My friends later recall it like “a sack of potatos”. Well, it may not have looked like anything, you are probably thinking, “Oh, I fall off all the time, the horse is small, it shouldn’t be serious”. Wrong. Dead Wrong.
The next thing I remember was staring at the white arena railing, curled in a fetal position trying to figure out what just happened. Then my lifeguard training kicked in, and I did a personal assessment, not realizing that there where some people bending over me checking me out already. Then horror struck me, I went ice cold, and I thought I was in a nightmare. I could not feel or move anything below my chest for about 3 minutes, and I couldn’t breathe. The first thing I thought was, “Oh My Gosh, I just broke my back, I hit my spine, I’m… paralyzed.” That, right there, was the scariest moment of my life. Keep in mind that I have been swimming competitively my whole life, so this was like a death-blow to me. That I would never swim or ride again. I didn’t move, I was afraid I might do more harm, but what more harm could I do? As far as I knew then, my life was over. Then I felt hands on my back, feeling down my spine to the tail bone, as someone dimly saying, “Does this Hurt? Can you feel this?” I nodded slowly, I could feel the soft pinch on my back. That offered me some comfort, and then, I think, someone said, “Wiggle you toes. Can you wiggle your toes for me?” Slowly I wiggled them. I could move them. Eventually my breath came back to me, and I slowly straighten out. At least I think so, this is all kind of blurry, I remember some parts, and not others.
Then realization hit me, I realized when I fell, I first slammed onto my hip and then my head. I was so glad that I wore a helmet and I had to thank my sister for that. Later, when the doctors told me I had a slight concussion, all I could think about was that my twin saved me from further serious damage, for all I know, I could have been a vegetable right now and even thinking about that now brings me to tears, I owe my sister my whole life.
Eventually, with the help of my friends dad, a Marine and a retired EMT, I got up, but I couldn’t put weight on my left leg. So the fireman carried me out of the arena. I waved to the crowd to show I was okay and was returned with cheering and clapping. But deep down, I was worried, and scared. What was the damage? I hope its only a severely bruised hip, and I just need to regain “life” into my leg. They put me in the back of the truck and I kept getting a buzzing and ringing in my ears, seeing black sometimes. I told myself that was just the shock of everything. Actually it was because of the mild concussion I received. Then I started to complain. When I get worried or scared I get angry at myself, and all I wanted to do was to stand up and walk about, to get up, and not sit down, because it hurt so much. I was repeating this to the guy who helped me, and he was like, “Okay, take it slow, you are going to give me a big bear hug, so I can support your weight”. Next thing I remember I was starring up at a dark blue sky and the shadow of leaves off to the left. I was thinking ”What the…? What just happened?” I couldn’t remember, and I started to cry. The rest was told to me by my sister.
I was mumbling about how my hip and check bone hurt and I just wanted to get the weight off. When I tried standing up, I blacked out for 3 seconds, but those 3 seconds were like 5 minutes. I went to a completely different place. Where I wanted to build my Friesian stable? So confusing. Then something soft was placed under my head and I was being asked questions by another EMT I didn’t know. Now I was getting annoyed, I already did a self check and I bluntly answered his questions. I just wanted to get out of here, eat something, take some pain killers, take a shower, and go to bed. Then they wanted to prick my finger. NO WAY, I hated needles, so I think I was yelling at him not to do it. I will not agree to it. They respected that and everything just went hazy from there.
I firmly told them I didn’t want the ambulance and that my mom is coming to pick me up and drive me, and I wanted no IV'S stuck into me. I wasn’t bleeding, and I still could think enough to argue with the EMT, so I defiantly did not need an ambulance ride. Glad I didn’t take the Ambulance, that would have added $3,000.00 to the medical bill we would later receive. No free health care in America.
Anyway, drove to the hospital with my mom at 10PM and found out I fractured my hip. I got out of the hospital 4 hours later with crutches and a happy feeling after they gave me a good dose of painkillers.
That day, I realized two things. No matter how good of a rider you are, always wear a helmet. And always listen to the advice of your sister, because in the end, that advice saved my life.
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Mystic Magic
Oh that must have been scary. About 8 months ago my horse bucked me off and I landed in the middle of the road near the train tracks flat on my back and there were big rocks under my back. It was the most painful fall I ever had. I could see my horse bolting away and I was thinking get up but nothing was happening. I could move my arms and head my not my legs or anything else. I was really scared, I put my arms under my back and felt the huge rocks and started pulling them out, after a few were removed I could move again, I think one was pressing somewhere that didn't allow me to move. Then in great pain and agony and with an adrenalin rush I got up and had to start running after my horse who was a mere dot in the distance and headed right for the highway. I was out riding alone so I had no choice but to go after my horse in as much pain as I was in. As a car turned off the highway into the road we were on my horse skidded to a stop and 2 men chased him into someones front hard a house
Oh that must have been scary. About 8 months ago my horse bucked me off and I landed in the middle of the road near the train tracks flat on my back and there were big rocks under my back. It was the most painful fall I ever had. I could see my horse bolting away and I was thinking get up but nothing was happening. I could move my arms and head my not my legs or anything else. I was really scared, I put my arms under my back and felt the huge rocks and started pulling them out, after a few were removed I could move again, I think one was pressing somewhere that didn't allow me to move. Then in great pain and agony and with an adrenalin rush I got up and had to start running after my horse who was a mere dot in the distance and headed right for the highway. I was out riding alone so I had no choice but to go after my horse in as much pain as I was in. As a car turned off the highway into the road we were on my horse skidded to a stop and 2 men chased him into someones front hard a house down from the highway. The car which had turned into the road drove past and up to me, 2 nice old ladies were in it and offered to drive me down to my horse, as it was going to be about a 500 meter run form where I was and then I could not even ride home as the reins were broken so I had to walk. I tell you I was sore, I had to have my back fixed and I only went once but my back is still not right, I should really get it fixed again.
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Oct 29, 2010
• 3,609 views
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toffeelola
you are so lucky, why did the medical bill cost soo much? they didn't really do anything (from what this article tells). if my mum had to pay that much for a medical bill from a riding accident she would never even consider letting me ride, not that I do anyway, luckily we get free healthcare in australia (lucky us)
you are so lucky, why did the medical bill cost soo much? they didn't really do anything (from what this article tells). if my mum had to pay that much for a medical bill from a riding accident she would never even consider letting me ride, not that I do anyway, luckily we get free healthcare in australia (lucky us)
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Oct 29, 2010
• 3,333 views
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solo25
:) i liked this story i think its really sweet! its a good job you listened to your sister, falling happens all the time and you can still get hert with a helmet but then you think.......what would have happened if i wasn't wearing one! love the story and i hope your ok!
:) i liked this story i think its really sweet! its a good job you listened to your sister, falling happens all the time and you can still get hert with a helmet but then you think.......what would have happened if i wasn't wearing one! love the story and i hope your ok!
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Oct 29, 2010
• 3,327 views
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Inactive Member
ouch ouch and thrice OUCH! That much have really hurt! Hope yourhip is better x
ouch ouch and thrice OUCH! That much have really hurt! Hope yourhip is better x
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Oct 29, 2010
• 3,343 views
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Run Free
i loved the story very well done i really liked it i hope u r ok
i loved the story very well done i really liked it i hope u r ok
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Oct 29, 2010
• 3,321 views
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Staffi
Thank you for telling your story, and I hope you are recovering well.
In 'my' country, you MUST wear a helmet in all shows, you are not allowed to start without it. And all riding schools require it too, at least for everyone under the age of 18.
Only Top dressage riders are allowed to replace the helmet with a soft hat.
Additionally, alot of shows also require riders under 18 to wear a safety west - although this rule is still being discussed, because the safety west makes your back stiff, so that it's harder for you to to follow the horse's movements and keep the balance, making it more likely for you to fall off.
But wearing a helmet should definately be a MUST in all shows worldwide, in my opinion.
Our lives are not to be taken lightly.
Thank you for telling your story, and I hope you are recovering well.
In 'my' country, you MUST wear a helmet in all shows, you are not allowed to start without it. And all riding schools require it too, at least for everyone under the age of 18.
Only Top dressage riders are allowed to replace the helmet with a soft hat.
Additionally, alot of shows also require riders under 18 to wear a safety west - although this rule is still being discussed, because the safety west makes your back stiff, so that it's harder for you to to follow the horse's movements and keep the balance, making it more likely for you to fall off.
But wearing a helmet should definately be a MUST in all shows worldwide, in my opinion.
Our lives are not to be taken lightly.
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Oct 29, 2010
• 3,476 views
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Dawnfire Equine
Same thing happened to me!
I know exactly how you feel.
I was riding my trainers Olympic level horse and she decided to jump a bounce as a liver pool and I supermanned sideways and landed on my hip. I'm not the smarted because I tried to get back up to only fall over again, then I preceded to get back on the horse and do it again, even though I found out later my hip had been separated more then an inch.
Still bothers me to this day.
Same thing happened to me!
I know exactly how you feel.
I was riding my trainers Olympic level horse and she decided to jump a bounce as a liver pool and I supermanned sideways and landed on my hip. I'm not the smarted because I tried to get back up to only fall over again, then I preceded to get back on the horse and do it again, even though I found out later my hip had been separated more then an inch.
Still bothers me to this day.
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Oct 29, 2010
• 3,362 views
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ImaCoolCowgirl
Great Article!!! Lovely Photography....I totaly agree with you on the helmet thing!! I insist that every one wears one if they are riding my horse
Great Article!!! Lovely Photography....I totaly agree with you on the helmet thing!! I insist that every one wears one if they are riding my horse
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Oct 29, 2010
• 3,351 views
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Snowy Brook
Well for one, You only heard half the story. The Hospital visit was an entirely different part. Here in US, we do NOT have free health care. Totaly cost of the bill I had to pay off, because our insurance wasnt accepted was:
They Charged for the
hospital bed: $64.00
An "invisible" Iv: $28.00 (I never had one)
Xray: $1,500.00 +
CAT Scan: $1,300.0+
Its the Xray and CAt scan that ran the whole bill up. It kinda makes me mad, I couldnt stand! Its not fair. And we where in the hospital for 4 hours.. in the middle of the night, and they took forever. Nothing was going on.
I first got an Xray, the Xray person looked it over and coudnt find anything, until my mom pointed out a small hairline fracture on my pelvis. Then they moved me back into my hospital bed, had to wait 2 hours for results and then they said, we need to do a CAt scan, because we think there is something. 30 min, later we went in. Had to wait another hour before we could go home.. :(
Well for one, You only heard half the story. The Hospital visit was an entirely different part. Here in US, we do NOT have free health care. Totaly cost of the bill I had to pay off, because our insurance wasnt accepted was:
They Charged for the
hospital bed: $64.00
An "invisible" Iv: $28.00 (I never had one)
Xray: $1,500.00 +
CAT Scan: $1,300.0+
Its the Xray and CAt scan that ran the whole bill up. It kinda makes me mad, I couldnt stand! Its not fair. And we where in the hospital for 4 hours.. in the middle of the night, and they took forever. Nothing was going on.
I first got an Xray, the Xray person looked it over and coudnt find anything, until my mom pointed out a small hairline fracture on my pelvis. Then they moved me back into my hospital bed, had to wait 2 hours for results and then they said, we need to do a CAt scan, because we think there is something. 30 min, later we went in. Had to wait another hour before we could go home.. :(
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Oct 29, 2010
• 3,471 views
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Dreamer100
I agree! Good job for listening to your sister and wearing a helmet.
I agree! Good job for listening to your sister and wearing a helmet.
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Oct 29, 2010
• 3,738 views
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Falling Up
What a amazing article.
You had me into it from the first sentence, most articles I just skim.
I totally agree with you, I had a similar experience, but it wasn't me.
A girl at our local horse show fell off her little chubby horse and smacked her head on a post. She was all right and her helmet cracked right in 2.
What a amazing article.
You had me into it from the first sentence, most articles I just skim.
I totally agree with you, I had a similar experience, but it wasn't me.
A girl at our local horse show fell off her little chubby horse and smacked her head on a post. She was all right and her helmet cracked right in 2.
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Oct 29, 2010
• 3,331 views
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Castaway Wish
My helmet has saved my life countless times. I ride at a stable that was originally mostly western, slowly got converted to English, then a HUGE dressage boom. I often stare at the dressage riders riding in the arena with no helmets on at all and wonder "What makes them think that just cause they only do groundwork they can't fall off? What makes them think they don't have to wear a helmet?" On my 2nd lesson ever they put me on an advanced horse, she ended up spooking, did a side-gallop, then rolled twice, on my neck! Luckily she only manage to roll once on my neck, apparently I have good reflexes. I was extremely lucky to only have a sore neck! My helmet saved me big time that day.
My helmet has saved my life countless times. I ride at a stable that was originally mostly western, slowly got converted to English, then a HUGE dressage boom. I often stare at the dressage riders riding in the arena with no helmets on at all and wonder "What makes them think that just cause they only do groundwork they can't fall off? What makes them think they don't have to wear a helmet?" On my 2nd lesson ever they put me on an advanced horse, she ended up spooking, did a side-gallop, then rolled twice, on my neck! Luckily she only manage to roll once on my neck, apparently I have good reflexes. I was extremely lucky to only have a sore neck! My helmet saved me big time that day.
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Oct 29, 2010
• 3,333 views
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HPH Polo
Nice story, I am glad you are ok. I just wanted to point out that if you want health care for free, simply go to the hospital without insurance and never bother paying the bill. They have to treat you. Health care is not actually free anywhere, there has to be a tax to pay for it. And we do get the best care here in the USA since we have the freedom to choose what insurances and doctors to use. I sure hope we never lose that freedom here...
Nice story, I am glad you are ok. I just wanted to point out that if you want health care for free, simply go to the hospital without insurance and never bother paying the bill. They have to treat you. Health care is not actually free anywhere, there has to be a tax to pay for it. And we do get the best care here in the USA since we have the freedom to choose what insurances and doctors to use. I sure hope we never lose that freedom here...
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Oct 30, 2010
• 3,452 views
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MontanaMountain
man iam sorry hope your better i think this is best story i have read
man iam sorry hope your better i think this is best story i have read
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Oct 30, 2010
• 3,339 views
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Madeirey
That is the best message story ever.
That is the best message story ever.
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Oct 30, 2010
• 3,311 views
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Softball Girl
So glade you are ok!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So glade you are ok!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Nov 5, 2010
• 3,333 views
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Heaven Sent Creatures
MOD
wow I bet that was scary, I can imagine the pain, I once fell off a galloping horse onto an arena fence, after the emt's picked me up and took me to the hospital, they x-rayed my side and told me I didn't break anything come to find out a few year later, after a routine chest x-ray that I did in fact break 3 ribs
wow I bet that was scary, I can imagine the pain, I once fell off a galloping horse onto an arena fence, after the emt's picked me up and took me to the hospital, they x-rayed my side and told me I didn't break anything come to find out a few year later, after a routine chest x-ray that I did in fact break 3 ribs
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57 days ago
• 3,342 views
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More News by Snowy Brook
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Hi everyone, Im Snowy Brook Stables, also know as Snowy. I am a Jr in High School, just recently turned 17. I have been playing ponybox since 2006, and I have seen this site go though so many amazing changes. Most of you probabl ...
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